There's nothing funny about the KKK and the hateful things that they did, okay? So no hate mails but here's an interesting historical oddity: a Ku Klux Klan Lamp.
It is powered by two large 150 watt bulbs that turn a very long and oversized cylinder inside. This 1920’s lamp was manufactured by the famous Scene In Action lamp company. They produced some of the finest motion lamps ever made in the twenties and thirties. This one was made on special order; it was not mass produced. It stands tall at over 28 inches tall by over 17 inches wide. Constructed of sturdy wood, metal, and glass with a paper scene and plastic cylinder. This is the actual lamp that was used to photograph for our motion lamp book (“Collector’s Guide to Motion Lamps” by Sam and Anna Samuelian. It is on page 27). We only know of one other existing example of this lamp, and we have never seen another for sale anywhere. Originally used by Klan members to call meetings, this lamp represents a shameful historical chapter in our history but still should be recognized as the incredible and unique piece that it is.
Found at SMS Noveltiques, which has a neat collection of antique animated motion or spinner lamps: Link - via Neon Poisoning
Interesting item, even if it does symbolise racist narrow-mindedness. I would also be interested if someone could find a video of this in action.
maybe crosses are just easy to make?
(kidding, south park reference ftw)
from answers.com: "In Scotland the "fiery cross", known as the Crann Tara was used as a declaration of war, which required all clan members to rally to the defence of the area. It is important to note that in Scotland there has absolutely no racist connotations....The most recent known use there was in 1745, during the Jacobite Rising, over a century before the foundation of the KKK."
so before it became a skewed symbol of hatred it was something else.....just thought i'd say that.
ps. i do not condone nor endorse the kkk or any other racist organization.